Aussie actor Aaron Jakubenko has joined the cast of Shannara, MTV’s 10-episode straight-to-series drama based on Terry Brooks’ massive fantasy book series. Written by Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar, Shannara is set in our world, thousands of years after the destruction of our civilization. The story centers on the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the world. Jakubenko, repped by Active Artists Management in Australia and ROAR, will play Ander, Amberle’s (Poppy Drayton) uncle, an Elven Prince with the reputation for being the wild party boy who has yet to find his way in the world. Jakubenko’s TV credits include the long-running Australian drama series Neighbours and Starz’s Spartacus.

Summer Bishil (Towelhead, Lucky 7) has landed a series regular role in Syfy pilot The Magicians, an adaptation of Lev Grossman’s bestselling fantasy book trilogy. Produced by Universal Cable Prods, The Magicians follows 20-somethings who, while studying magic in New York, discover that the magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real and poses grave danger to humanity. Bishil, repped by The Buchwald Agency and Ken Jacobson, will play Margo Hanson, a brilliant young student at the Brakebill’s Academy.